United Nations Security Council showdown today over Syria chemical attacks; disasterous affects of Trump's Global Gag Rule; right to seek refuge at risk; policing academics in Thailand; jailing opposition politicians in Ethiopia; critical journalists in Turkey; breaking the cycle of abuses in Olympic host cities; acknowledging transgender people in Ukraine.

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Tonight, President Donald Trump will deliver an address to the US Congress. What will he say about immigration? Trump's immigration crackdown has many fearing what could happen to them and their families. Reports of deportations signal a wide program that could send thousands back to unsafe conditions. Sadly, it has their children frightened as well.
Staying with the Congressional address, of the many human rights principles under threat since the Trump administration took office, women's rights have been at the forefront. The reinstatement of the global gag rule is just one example. Tonight, Trump has an opportunity to clarify where his administration stands on rights protection.
Good news! On the heels of calls to action, New York governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his support in ending child marriage in New York State. Under current law, children as young as 14-years-old are able to marry. It's time to end this practice.
From this morning: The United Nations Security Council held a vote today on sanctions for the Syrian government's use of chlorine. Russia had said it would veto the resolution, and kept its word. China also used its voting power to veto the resolution. The move unfortunately sends a strong message that use of chemical weapons can go unpunished.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has, for the first time, moved to incorporate human rights principles into its Host City contracts. This important step, if implemented across all major sporting events, could help break the cycle of human rights abuses that casts shadows over many events now.
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